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Breaking News in Tech, Search, Social, & BusinessTue, 03 Mar 2015 22:49:41 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.1Microsoft Shows Off A Bunch Of Windows 10 Stuffhttp://www.webpronews.com/microsoft-shows-off-a-bunch-of-windows-10-stuff-2015-01
http://www.webpronews.com/microsoft-shows-off-a-bunch-of-windows-10-stuff-2015-01#commentsWed, 21 Jan 2015 20:40:09 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=414490In September, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, launching an early technical preview for PC on October 1. With the release, Microsoft highlighted advancements for the enterprise and collaboration as well as consistency across devices. It adapted to Xbox, PCs, phones, tablets, and other “tiny gadgets” to delivery that consistency.

On Wednesday, Microsoft showed off a bunch of new Windows 10 stuff including the operating system’s mobile debut, a new Xbox app, Xbox One game streaming, that new “Spartan” browser we’ve been hearing about, and a new augmented reality headset.

The company also announced that a free upgrade for Windows 10 will be made available to users of Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1, who upgrade within the first year after launch. Once devices are running Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to keep it updated for the entire lifetime of the device. It will add features as they become available, rather than waiting for another major release.

Microsoft revealed that its personal digital assistant technology Cortana is coming to PCs and tablets for the first time with Windows 10. This learns your preferences, and gives you recommendations, info, and reminders as necessary. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s basically Microsoft’s answer to Siri and the like.

The company showed off Windows 10 for phones and tablets, which it says offers a “fast, fluid and familiar experience that seamlessly interacts with your PC.”

The “Spartan” browser (that’s just a code name) includes the ability to annotate by keyboard or pen directly on a webpage and share with friends. It also has a reading view the company describes as “destraction free,” which displays articles in a “simplified layout”. It also includes a built-in PDF viewer and reading lists.

Spartan reportedly won’t be in the next preview build of Windows 10, so it may be a while before anyone gets to use it.

Windows 10 includes universal apps for Office and other everyday experiences.

“Office universal apps on Windows 10 offer a consistent, touch-first experience across phone, tablet and PC with new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook,” says Microsoft’s Terry Myerson. “Designed from the ground up to run on Windows, you can easily create and edit Word documents, annotate slides in real-time with new inking features or easily present PowerPoint presentations, and with new touch-first controls in Excel you can create or update spreadsheets without a keyboard or mouse. The next version of the Office desktop suite is also currently in development, more on this in the coming months.”

“New universal applications will ship with Windows 10, offering innovative new experience applications, consistent across the device continuum, for Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People & Messaging, and Mail & Calendar,” he adds. “These built-in apps have an updated design that look and feel the same from app to app and device to device. Content is stored and synced through OneDrive, enabling you to start something on one device and continue it on another.”

With the Xbox updates, users can capture, edit, and share moments from games with Game DVR, as well as play new games with friends across devices. You can get a rundown on all the new Xbox features here.

With “Continuum Mode,” Windows 10 will move between keyboard/mouse and touch/tablet on 2in1 devices as it detects the transition.

Finally, Microsoft unveiled two new devices for Windows 10 – the Surface Hub and the Microsoft HoloLens.

The former is a large screen device designed for the workplace. It takes advantage of custom versions of Skype for Business and OneNote with build in cameras, sensors, and mics.

“The Surface Hub features state of the art digital white boarding, instant remote conferencing, the ability for multiple people to share and edit content on the screen from any device, and a trusted platform for large-screen apps,” says Myerson. “Available in two sizes – 55” and 84” – the Surface Hub removes the current limitations of traditional conference room scenarios to empower teams to create their best work together.”

HoloLens would be that augmented reality headset we mentioned:

“Showcasing the possibilities of holograms in Windows 10, Microsoft HoloLens is the world’s first untethered holographic computer – no wires, phones or connection to a PC needed,” says Myerson. “Microsoft HoloLens allows you to view holograms in high definition and hear them in surround sound, even if they are behind you. And with advanced sensors, Microsoft HoloLens can see what you are looking at and understand what you are communicating with your hands and voice. By putting you at the center of the Windows 10 computing experience, Microsoft HoloLens allows you to create, access information, enjoy entertainment, and communicate in new and exciting ways.”

I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more about all of this soon.

Microsoft says 1.7 million Windows Insiders (those using the preview version of Windows 10) delivered 800,000 pieces of feedback since the Insider program was launched in September. You can sign up to participate here.

Images via Microsoft

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/microsoft-shows-off-a-bunch-of-windows-10-stuff-2015-01/feed0HBO GO Is Finally Available on Xbox Onehttp://www.webpronews.com/hbo-go-is-finally-available-on-xbox-one-2014-11
http://www.webpronews.com/hbo-go-is-finally-available-on-xbox-one-2014-11#commentsThu, 20 Nov 2014 16:40:42 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=405715Back in November of last year, Microsoft unveiled the list of streaming video apps that would grace the Xbox One. Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, VUDU, Crackle, and Redbox Instant were on the list, but HBO GO was only given a “coming soon” designation.

Well, today’s finally the day. Xbox One owners can now stream HBO content with HBO GO.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/hbo-go-is-finally-available-on-xbox-one-2014-11/feed0Vine App Hits Xbox One For Xbox Live Membershttp://www.webpronews.com/vine-app-hits-xbox-one-for-xbox-live-members-2014-10
http://www.webpronews.com/vine-app-hits-xbox-one-for-xbox-live-members-2014-10#commentsTue, 14 Oct 2014 21:14:57 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=396665Microsoft announced today that Twitter’s Vine is now available for the Xbox One. This is surely good news for anyone looking to up their Vine loop count.

Starting today, you can entertain yourself with hours of short, looping videos on the big screen with the addition of the Vine app on Xbox One. Available to Xbox Live members*, Vine on Xbox One provides a spectacular Vine viewing experience for your TV that brings you one of the world’s most used video apps alongside your favorite games and entertainment.

This is the first Vine viewing experience built specifically for the TV, giving you access to funny, quirky, artistic, creative Vines directly in your living room. Now you can watch and explore the world of short, looping videos, and Xbox One makes them easy to enjoy using Kinect voice or gesture control to play, pause and search through the next or previous Vine. You can watch popular Vines, explore channels like Art, Music & Dance, and Comedy, view playlists, and more. In addition, the app can be snapped next to your games, TV or other entertainment apps, making it possible to watch Vines alongside your favorite games or whatever you’re watching.

Vine recently added a way to repurpose existing videos. That combined with availability on the Xbox One will make for more interesting content for users, as well as new marketing opportunities for businesses.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/vine-app-hits-xbox-one-for-xbox-live-members-2014-10/feed0Microsoft To Eliminate Xbox Entertainment Studioshttp://www.webpronews.com/microsoft-to-eliminate-xbox-entertainment-studios-2014-07
http://www.webpronews.com/microsoft-to-eliminate-xbox-entertainment-studios-2014-07#commentsFri, 18 Jul 2014 13:25:07 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=374822As you may know, Microsoft announced that it is cutting 18,000 jobs over the next year, starting with 13,000 over the next six months.

One casualty of the company’s restructuring is Xbox Entertainment Studios, a segment founded in 2012 to help the company get exclusive streaming video content. It just didn’t work out that well.

Sources paint a picture of a disorganized studio that struggled to close deals and lacked a fully fleshed-out business model. This inability to execute has turned off potential studio partners, they say, complicating the process of securing premium content.

The report was also updated with confirmation from Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Studios, who said, “Xbox will continue to support and deliver interactive sports content like ‘NFL on Xbox,’ and we will continue to enhance our entertainment offering on console by innovating the TV experience through the monthly console updates. Additionally, our app partnerships with world-class content providers bringing entertainment, sports and TV content to Xbox customers around the world are not impacted by this organizational change.”

According to the report, Xbox Entertainment Studios, which employs roughly 200 workers, will wind down gradually, and in-production projects will continue.

Also part of the job cuts will be 12,500 former Nokia employees. Mary Jo Foley at ZDnet says the company’s Operating System Group is also one of the units that will be affected “immediately and directly” by the cuts. She says she’s hearing that “a good chunk” of Windows testers will be let go as well as some from the sales, marketing, and legal departments.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/microsoft-to-eliminate-xbox-entertainment-studios-2014-07/feed0Aaron Paul’s Xbox One Ad Is Inadvertently Turning on People’s Consoleshttp://www.webpronews.com/aaron-pauls-xbox-one-ad-is-inadvertenty-turning-on-peoples-consoles-2014-06
http://www.webpronews.com/aaron-pauls-xbox-one-ad-is-inadvertenty-turning-on-peoples-consoles-2014-06#commentsFri, 13 Jun 2014 15:47:51 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=366148]]>The thing about have voice control systems that are always on is, well, they’re always on. If they weren’t, then saying something like “Xbox on!” wouldn’t really do anything.

Apparently, this handy feature is causing some issues for some Xbox One owners. According to multiplereports and a boatload of Twitter confirmations, Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame is inadvertently powering up people’s consoles with his new ad. You know the one, right? Where he begins the ad by demonstrating the Kinect-powered voice controls?

I guess the Xbox One is really always listening, and it’s picking up on that “Xbox on!” command. Take a look:

As many Twitter users have pointed out, this is quite the first world problem. If the worst thing that happens to you today is your Xbox accidentally turns on, you’ve got it pretty good.

I mean, you could be a meth addict that found himself in a situation her could no longer control, being manipulated at every turn by a man who’s basically getting more evil by the second. That would be a rough predicament.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/aaron-pauls-xbox-one-ad-is-inadvertenty-turning-on-peoples-consoles-2014-06/feed0You Can Get a Refund If You Cancel Xbox Live Goldhttp://www.webpronews.com/you-can-get-a-refund-if-you-cancel-xbox-live-gold-2014-05
http://www.webpronews.com/you-can-get-a-refund-if-you-cancel-xbox-live-gold-2014-05#commentsWed, 14 May 2014 14:56:50 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=358343On Tuesday, Microsoft did something that Xbox users have wanted them to do for years–the company finally tore down the part of the Golden Paywall that encompassed entertainment apps. What this means is that starting June 9th, Xbox users will be able to stream Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Instant Video, HBO Go, and more without having to purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Generally good news all around, right? Well, if you happened to have already purchased a full year’s worth of Xbox Live Gold (as many are wont to do, as it is cheaper that way), then this announcement could’ve left you a bit miffed.

Don’t worry, however. Microsoft is handing out pro-rata refunds for Gold subscribers who cancel their accounts by August 31st of this year.

“Once the Xbox One and Xbox 360 system updates become available in June, Xbox Live Gold members who purchased a paid membership before that day can cancel and receive a pro-rata refund of any unused remaining days between the date of cancellation and the date their paid Gold membership ends. Cancellation and pro-rata refund requests must be made by August 31, 2014 and require six to eight weeks for processing. Free or trial Gold memberships are not eligible for a refund. To request your pro-rata refund, please click http://support.xbox.com/contact-us after the system updates become available in June,” says Microsoft in an Xbox FAQ.

For people who ponied up for Xbox Live Gold just so they could stream videos from various services, this is really good news. If you’re an online multiplayer enthusiast, don’t go canceling you subscription. The tearing down of the Golden Paywall doesn’t affect you. You still need Xbox Live Gold to play online.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/you-can-get-a-refund-if-you-cancel-xbox-live-gold-2014-05/feed0Xbox One Price Slashed to $399 Without Kinecthttp://www.webpronews.com/xbox-one-price-slashed-to-399-without-kinect-2014-05
http://www.webpronews.com/xbox-one-price-slashed-to-399-without-kinect-2014-05#commentsTue, 13 May 2014 17:59:02 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=358031In yet another huge Xbox announcement from Microsoft, the price of the Xbox One will soon be cut to just $399. This price brings Microsoft’s new console down to the same price as Sony’s PlayStation 4.

The new $399 Xbox One will be sold in all territories where the console is currently released starting on June 9 – the day before this year’s E3 conference is scheduled to begin.

The new package will not include the Kinect, which had been bundled in with the console since its launch. The mandatory inclusion of the Kinect with every Xbox One had been a sticking point for many gamers who see the peripheral as a gimmick.

The price cut announcement was made by Microsoft’s new head of Xbox, Phil Spencer.

“There’s a lot about Kinect that I really love, but we’ve also heard from people that they just like to play games with a controller in their hand and they play multiplayer through Xbox Live,” said Spencer. “What we wanted to do is for those people make sure that there’s a version of Xbox that really meets the exact needs that they have.”

Last November Xbox One sales got off to an impressive start with Microsoft selling 2 million of its new consoles in less than one month. Since that time sales of the Xbox One have been steadily falling behind the PlayStation 4, which has been consistently selling out across the world for months.

Sony took this early lead in the console generation largely due to mistakes Microsoft made promoting the Xbox One before its launch. At Microsoft’s big Xbox One announcement one year ago, executives heavily touted the console’s ability to display TV and revealed severe always-on DRM policies for the console’s games.

Though Microsoft backed down from its DRM plans, the console was dealt another blow at last year’s E3 when Sony announced the PlayStation 4′s price would be $100 less than the price of the Xbox One. The pricing disparity contributed to calls for Microsoft to drop the Kinect sensor from the Xbox One package, as the peripheral was seen as a major factor in the console’s higher price.

Back in February Microsoft announced a smaller Xbox One price cut for the U.K., dropping the price to just £400. A Titanfall bundle was also announced with no price increase, essentially giving a copy of the game away with every new Xbox One sold.

Today’s announcement puts the Xbox One almost exactly where its critics said it should be last November. With a competitive price, no Kinect, and less emphasis on TV in Xbox One marketing, Microsoft’s console is now poised to compete with the PlayStation 4 on almost every level except for the Xbox One’s lower hardware specs.

With this price cut, Microsoft is demonstrating yet again that its original plans for the Xbox One were not what gamers wanted. The move is almost certainly related to slowing sales of the new console and is a sign that Titanfall was not the major Xbox One-selling title that Microsoft had hoped.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/xbox-one-price-slashed-to-399-without-kinect-2014-05/feed0Netflix on Xbox without Gold Now a Realityhttp://www.webpronews.com/netflix-on-xbox-without-gold-now-a-reality-2014-05
http://www.webpronews.com/netflix-on-xbox-without-gold-now-a-reality-2014-05#commentsTue, 13 May 2014 15:38:16 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=357984It appears the rumors are true. Xbox head Phil Spencer has just announced that they are tearing down the Golden Paywall–at least for entertainment apps.

In under a month, you’ll be able to stream Netflix (and all other entertainment apps) without a subscription to Xbox Live Gold.

“Xbox 360 has been a leader in delivering entertainment experiences for years, with over 170 global entertainment apps and experiences available today. We’re constantly adding new partners and experiences to the growing catalog on Xbox One. Coming in June, anyone with an Xbox will be able to access popular entertainment experiences – whether or not you have an Xbox Live Gold membership. This includes great gaming apps like Machinima, Twitch and Upload, popular video services like Netflix, Univision Deportes, GoPro, Red Bull TV and HBO GO, sports experiences like the NFL app for Xbox One, MLB.TV, NBA Game Time, NHL Game Center and more. Microsoft experiences including Internet Explorer, Skype, OneDrive and OneGuide will also be available to all Xbox customers,” says Spencer.

The one caveat is that some services will only be available to non-Gold members on the Xbox One–this includes Skype, OneGuide, and Twitch Broadcast.

But for both Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners–you can now stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Instant Video, WatchESPN, YouTube and all of your favorite streaming video apps without Xbox Live Gold (as long as you have the requisite subscription to the particular service, obviously).

And with the addition of Internet Explorer to the non-Gold lineup, you can now do all the internetting you want on your Xbox without that pesky Gold subscription–well, everything except online multiplayer. This will all go into effect on June 9th.

In other Xbox news, Microsoft also announced that they will be selling a Kinect-less version of the Xbox One for $399.

Original Article: Unlike many of its competitors, Microsoft forces Xbox users to pay for the company’s console subscription service, Xbox Live Gold, if they want to stream content from media apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Although nobody (on the consumer end) has ever really liked this, it’s been that way for so long that it’s just accepted as a reality. Wanna watch House of Cards via your Xbox 360–well, you’re going to have to pony up the $60 per year for Xbox Live Gold alongside Netflix’s monthly fee. It’s always been a bummer, especially when you consider the fact that other popular streaming video devices like the Roku and PlayStation do not have any subscription requirements to access streaming apps.

Apparently, this could be changing. Finally.

Ars Technica cites multiple Microsoft sources who claim that the company is planning to tear down the Golden paywall. “According to our sources, Xbox 360 and Xbox One users will soon no longer need a paid subscription to Xbox Live Gold to access Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming media apps,” says Ars.

That’s the good news. Of course, no final decisions have been made, but this announcement could come as early as Microsoft’s June 9th E3 keynote.

The bad, or at least tempering news is that Microsoft is considering putting other things behind the Golden paywall to compensate. It’s unknown at the time whether or not this would include apps that are currently free to use, or just new content that Microsoft is about to debut via the recently announced Xbox original entertainment studio.

But for Xbox (360 and One) owners who don’t really play their games online and like to use the console to stream all of their video–this is pretty great news.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/netflix-may-be-leaving-xboxs-golden-paywall-2014-05/feed0Xbox One Launching in China in September, a Year After Lift on Console Banhttp://www.webpronews.com/xbox-one-launching-in-china-in-september-a-year-after-lift-on-console-ban-2014-04
http://www.webpronews.com/xbox-one-launching-in-china-in-september-a-year-after-lift-on-console-ban-2014-04#commentsWed, 30 Apr 2014 19:16:02 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=354457Fourteen years ago, China enacted a console ban as the Ministry of Culture derided both the political and violent content in many games. Sure, black market console sales skyrocketed–but it was technically illegal to sell consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3 in China.

Last September, the country officially lifted the ban. Game consoles are now allowed to be sold in a free-trade zone in Shanghai, upon first being pre-approved by the Ministry.

And now, we know which console will be the first of its kind to enter the trade.

Microsoft has announced a deal with BesTV, a Shanghai Media Group subsidiary, to bring the Xbox One to China. The two companies’ joint venture, E-Home Entertainment, was the first to be approved and registered inside the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

“Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry, and it’s a step forward in our vision to deliver the best games and entertainment experiences to more fans around the world,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president, marketing and strategy, Devices and Studios, Microsoft. “BesTV has a rich history of delivering innovative entertainment content. It is the ideal partner with which to bring the Xbox business to China.”

China has a pretty solid PC (online) and mobile gaming culture, as Microsoft says that half a billion Chinese gamers are now active. Of course, Microsoft wants to tap into that in a big way by offering their new console up to what they hope will be console-hungry gamers.

“The launch of Xbox One here will bring distinction as the first-ever game console with OTT functionality in China,” said Dazhong Zhang, senior vice president, Shanghai Media Group, and chairman, E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd. “The launch of Xbox is a milestone for our company in the family entertainment market and will create profit growth opportunities. Furthermore, we will continue our investment and support into research and development for gaming content together with Microsoft. Via our cooperation with the world’s leading team, we will continue to develop video games fused with Chinese culture and provide further distribution support for locally produced Chinese video game content to the world.”